Pre-Academy Dates Announced

Dates have been announced for trials for Oxford United's new ‘Pre-Academy’ programme aimed at bringing in the best players between the ages of six and eight.

Those players would then have the opportunity to move straight into the highly successful Youth Development programme, which has seen the likes of Sam Long, Robbie Cundy and Miles Welch-Hayes progress through to the current senior first team squad.

Kieran Hayes will be heading the new Pre-Academy programme and told us:

“The aim is to identify the best young players in the county between 6 and 8 years old, and give them the opportunity to train in a professional environment. Even at that age you can see potential, although we will continue to recruit at all ages because obviously some develop faster than others.They will come in, train with our professional coaches and play small-sided games, with the aim of progressing into the older age groups when they turn nine.

The Pre-Academy will be

Monday under 8s

Wednesday under 7s

Thursday under 6s

All will take place at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre from 5pm to 6pm

Trial Dates

Monday 26th September & Monday 3th October Under 8s

Wednesday 28th September & Wednesday5th October Under 7s

Thursday 29th September & Thursday 6th October Under 6s

The pre-Academy course will be coached by UEFA qualified coaches.

All players need to be registered to trial, you must email the below address prior to the day of trials and you will receive confirmation of when to attend

Email khayes@oufc.co.uk for information or to recommend any elite players at this age group

The new Pre-Academy offers fantastic sponsorship opportunities for any companies looking to get involved with the club or with junior football in the wider community. Call 01865 337505 or email commercial@oufc.co.uk for a chat about how we can help you.